San Francisco good spot for Zambrano's return to rotation

Cubs right-hander has enjoyed success by Bay, will be limited to 80 pitches

August 08, 2010|By Dave van Dyck, Tribune reporter

When Carlos Zambrano makes his first start since June 25 on Monday in San Francisco, it would appear to have been very carefully plotted.

First, it is about as far away from Wrigley Field fans as you can get. Second, it is against the Giants, who are the only team in the National League with a lower batter average than the Cubs with runners in scoring position. And third, it is in San Francisco, where Zambrano has won four of his last five starts, including a complete-game shutout last Sept. 25.

Zambrano has a pitch limit of about 80 as he works his way back into starting shape following his suspension and stay on the restricted list.

"I'm expecting him to pitch well," manager Lou Piniella said. "In two starts he can be built up to go as long as he wants."

Zambrano apparently is also getting ready for his role as a hitter, pinch-hitting in the seventh inning Sunday and grounding out.

Lee stays, plays: With any postseason hopes long gone and with Derrek Lee's contract expiring, might the Cubs take a look at future replacements, perhaps Tyler Colvin, soon?

"We've got (Xavier) Nady and we've got Derrek Lee at first," Piniella said. "With Derrek, I could give him a breather from time to time, but he's going to be playing first base."

Like Lee, Nady very well could be gone after the season, but the Cubs have no obvious first base replacements ready in the system.

Extra innings: Catcher Geovany Soto will play Monday after reporting that his sprained right shoulder was better. ... Outfielder Bryan LaHair was named the Pacific Coast League's player of the week for hitting .455 with four homers and 14 RBIs. ... Manager Jody Davis, the former Cubs catcher, pulled his rookie team in Boise off the field and forfeited 9-0 following an 80-minute rain delay.